I'm at my wits' end here! I don't even grow vegetables, but rabbits have made a buffet out of my flowers. They've already decimated marigolds, lentil rose, gladiolas, phlox, salvia, prairie blazing star, coneflower, Japanese Astible, and blue false indigo. And that's just the beginning! I also know they munch on my hostas, barrenwort, and red coreopsis. I've thought about using a pellet gun, but I can't bring myself to go that route. Is there any way to get rid of these pesky rabbits, or am I destined to be their gardener? I live in zone 7a in eastern PA, and while there are plenty of foxes around, they just don't come into my backyard!
3 Answers
I totally understand your frustration! Having dogs helps because they keep the yard clear of rabbits around my place, but I know it’s not the best solution for everyone. If you can’t let your dogs roam free, fencing is another good option. For the first year, you might need to fence your plants until they’re established enough that rabbits won’t do as much damage. There are some affordable "no dig" fences that are easy to set up.
I also deal with persistent rabbits! One thing that works for me is to mow the lawn higher (around 4 inches) and let them munch on my raspberries instead of my other prized plants. Fencing is a must too; just make sure it’s at least 2-3 feet high and anchored well into the ground to keep them out. It sounds like a big hassle, but once you get a system down, your plants will thank you later!
It's tough dealing with rabbits, huh? One effective strategy is to spend a season without any plants except for some anchor shrubs like holly or rhododendron. Keep the area tidy and well-maintained; once the rabbits realize there’s no food, they may move on! It worked wonders for me last year. Just keep at it, and you might be able to outgrow their appetite for your flowers!